RALEIGH, N.C. - North Carolina lawmakers on Tuesday finalized legislation to raise the minimum age to get married in the state from 14 or 16, a decision that would end the state's status as an outlier compared to surrounding states.The Senate voted unanimously to accept House changes to the measure, which now goes to Democratic Gov.
Roy Cooper for his expected signature.Children who are 16 or 17 would still be required to receive parental permission or a judge's approval to get married, and the age difference between the youth and their spouse now could be no more than four years.Current law has no minimum age gap between the spouses, and children as young as 14 can get married if they become pregnant and if a judge allows it.